First, thanks to everyone's passion for coffee, I've enjoyed reading coffeegeek for some time. Now, on to my first post.

After a few good years with a *$ Barista, I'm looking to upgrade. I've got an ok grinder, and want a unit with a 3 way valve, good steam for multiple capuccinos, hot water for americanos, and fairly easy to use.

After reading much of the BDB owners thread, and the videos on the 840 thermocoil changes, this unit has made my short list. The hesitation is its not known what the preset PID temperature settings are for, and how stable those temps are. Does anyone have this info?

trying to follow the first posting rules, it's hard to ask purchasing help without endorsing or criticizing. In the 450-550 range, with good steam, I'm not finding lots of choices

Given your hot water needs, you are on the right track with HX or DB, but none are in the $450-$550 range. But maybe that was a typo, since you reference the BDB? Please confirm your budget for us!

What grinder do you have that is "okay"? Unless you upgrade your "okay" grinder to a "very good grinder", you should realize that when you get rid of the pressurized portafilter your Starbucks/Saeco has, you can quickly run into fast extractions with sour results.

For $450-550, most machines are SBDU, which would be similar to you *$.I took a quick look at the Breville, and it appeared to be a SBDU, but not sure.

Fine for making espressos or one cap, but kind of a pain of you make mutiple milk drinks, since you have to go back and forth between brewing and steaming.

I got a used Expobar in the range, and I think you can find other used low priced HX's for that price, on CL or the auction site, if you spend a little time looking.

I have a PID'ed Gaggia Classic in my closet, it worked great for espresso, or one milk drink, but the Expobar is much easier to make milk drinks with. It's pretty nice to be able to steam and pull the shot at the same time.

Getting a used HX might be the way to go. My logic for this unit was that it had a redesigned thrermocoil, and that additional mass, combined with 1600W power, might be enough to do the job. From what I saw in the video, it certainly looks like an improved design that's less likely to leak. The downside is as mentioned, one task at a time, and non adjustable pid. BYW, grinder is BCG800, liking it so far My reference to the BDB was to reference some of Breville's past history in the forums, how the BDB seems to be a step forward, and how I'm hoping this BES840 would also be a step forward

After considering the details, what I wanted, etc, etc, the breville bes840 was purchased.

I've had it for one morning, here's what I've found:

Temp consistency: USA model is 1600 watts, and that is needed. Measuring with a thermopen inside the portafilter spouts, the temps were 195-202F. I'm still learning about a good preheat time, so no more detail than the range.

Steam: kind of weak, but it's dryer than my old Saeco Barista. I had better success with milk than in the past, so I'm happy

Hot water tap: it starts very hot, above 200F, but drops quickly. It's fine for Americanos, but not brewing an individual cup like a pour over

In the cup: promising! I'm making all the usual mistakes - old beans, inconsistent tamp, etc, but happily making progress

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